Photo: Nick Lebesch, lyricist for renowned Colorado rap group Def Rhymes Divine, works on one of 18 new rhymes developed on this passage.

Land Ho! It is a hot afternoon, we are all on deck staring at the low hazy island ahead, knowing we have a couple more hours to go. The number and variety of sea birds has increased dramatically. We spent the morning in a frenzied cleaning operation, cleaning and sanitizing the boat hoping the agricultural and fumigation inspector will be kind to us. The Galapagos is a unique and very sensitive environment, and they take the protection of it seriously.

The last 36 hours have been great sailing, the kindest sea state yet of the trip; going a bit slow at 6.5 knots now but we will easily sail in before dark. We are reminiscing of the cold, salty wet rough passage in the beginning, hardly believing it was less that two weeks ago. One adventure is about to end, another begins tomorrow. I am especially proud of the determination and team work of this all-novice crew, they have accomplished something that few people will experience in their lives!